MediaCorp News: China warns Rice it won't 'sit idle' if US backs Taiwan independence

"China's military strongman Jiang Zemin told visiting US National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice China would not "sit idle" if foreign forces supported Taiwan independence.
"If Taiwan authorities are determined to pursue Taiwan independence; if foreign forces interfere and support this, we would definitely not sit idle without doing anything," Jiang was paraphrased on Chinese state-run television station CCTV as saying.
The aging but still powerful former president's veiled warnings against US military intervention if Taiwan formally declares independence and China attacks the island came amid increasing tension between Beijing and Taipei.
The recent re-election of pro-independence Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian has fueled fears in Beijing that Chen may be moving toward a formal split in his second term.
Beijing hopes Washington will curb any such moves by Chen.
Jiang told Rice Taiwan was the "most sensitive" issue in Sino-US relations and expressed dismay with Washington's recent handling of Taiwan matters.
"The US side's recent series of actions, especially plans to sell arms to Taiwan made Chinese people feel seriously concerned and dissatisfied," said Jiang, chairman of the Central Military Commission.
He said while China prefers to settle the Taiwan issue peacefully, it "will definitely not tolerate Taiwan independence.". . ."